Ranger Z20 vs. 520

Tobe · Post by **Tobe** » Wed May 31, 2006 8:36 am

Can anyone who has owned both of these boats give me some feedback on the comparison?

I own a Triton and love it but the benefits of owning a Ranger is becoming too hard to pass up.

Thanks,

Tobe

kb · Post by kb » Wed May 31, 2006 8:40 am

Tobe:

Check out the Triton Gold program on Tritonboats.com. there are some benefits there for you being a Triton owner as well.

JT-Madera · Post by **JT-Madera** » Wed May 31, 2006 12:06 pm

I own a 2004 Ranger 520VX/Yamaha225 and don't think I Will ever change to a Z20..The guys I know who moved up to a Z20 have told me NOT to..I was told that if I wanted a Z boat to buy up to a Z21... I have fished out of a Z20 and Z21 and would not trade my current 520 for either of them.. My boat is faster and smoother in calm water and rough water..I don't know why that is, some say that the hull doesn't have the same "rake", whatever that is!!!

A friend of mine has a Triton 21 footer I don't remember the number and it is a rough riding boat, compared to my Ranger and not any faster..The Triton is very shaky at 70mph,,,,I would much rather be in my Ranger at that speed,,,I think the front fishing deck on my Ranger is wider up by the trollingmotor than the Triton...I have personally driven my friends Triton so it wasn't the driver....It is just squirrely at the higher speeds...

I was told that the New Z boats will have a different hull configuration on the 2007 models.. The decks on the Z boats are wider than mine and I like the new locker handles, the flushmount locks are great, except when they freeze!!!! They didn't allow enough room for a gloved finger to fit into the catch...You have to remove your gloves to open them...Maybe it is just my fat fingers...

The 520VX is @10-15,000 cheaper that the Z20-21 or the Triton...

I would suggest you get a ride and fish along, not just a ride, before you makeup your mind...You just can't go wrong with a Ranger!!!!!! If you need a fish-a-long in a 520VX I would be happy to work it out with you...

JT=Madera

Dewayne · Post by **Dewayne** » Wed May 31, 2006 1:36 pm

JT - Just a note. The Z20 is not that much more than the 520. I am not sure of the exact cost difference, but when I purchased mine it was less than $1000 difference in the two.

While I personally have the 520 due to the wait at the time for the Z20 I have heard good things lately about the Z20. When they first came out there were some issues with the tuning of the boat. As I understand that has been improved and they are now performing well. The hull did need a 10" jack plate to achieve optimal performance. I have also heard that the hull design has been improved each year. For a good comparison talk to Jimmy Reese or Gary Dobyns as they are both very familiar with both hulls.

deltabass · Post by **deltabass** » Wed May 31, 2006 5:35 pm

I have owned a 520 and am now running a 2006 Z-20. The performance of the Z boat cannot be compared to any other boat on the market. Its ride, stability, layout, and craftsmanship are outstanding, and as you mentioned, there are great benefits involved in owning a Ranger boat. Whichever boat you choose whether it be a 520, or a Z series, you won't question your choice. My opinion, ride in them all then decide.

philstrader · Post by **philstrader** » Wed May 31, 2006 7:50 pm

Tobe, I have owned both and don't have any complaints about either. I liked my 520's so well, I was reluctant to go to the Z boat, but have been very happy with it's performance. I power it with an E-TEC, and the responsiveness and performance has been great. Go through both boats, compare the differences, and then put them both on the water and choose the one that fits you best. You are right, the benefits of owning a Ranger are hard to overlook. Ranger cup and Ranger bonus money pays anglers at all levels, makes it hard not to own a Ranger boat right now.
Good luck with your decision, either way, you will be very satisfied.

Phil Strader

rickyshabazz · Post by **rickyshabazz** » Wed May 31, 2006 8:02 pm

I have run both and I currently run a 2006 Z20 with a 225 Opti XS. Both are great boats and either would be an excellent choice.

There is not a huge difference in the rides but the Z is wider and handles the water great much like the 520 does. I think that is boils down to which style you like the best. The 520 is a proven boat and the Z20 has become my new favorite boat. It all boils down to styling and each has there own style. I love the Z20 because of itâ€™s looks and styling, but the 520 is great also.

My Z20 is a little faster than my 520 was, but I run a custom prop and rig my boats for speed. Weâ€™re talking a difference of 1 mph. Each boat should run low 70s if rigged properly. I would run my Z20 against any 520 out there, but I have one of the fastest Z20s on the water.

I would love to take you out on a demo ride-Drop me a line.

Kevin · Post by **Kevin** » Wed May 31, 2006 9:10 pm

Tobe, I had a 2003 520 and just bought a 2006 Z-20 and I'd have to say that the Z boat is a little better. I think the 520 rides a tad better in rough water and blows around less in the wind. Side chop on the Z-20 downright sucks. Overall though, the Z-20 is one kick *** boat. The storage is better than the 520. The layout is better. Either way, you can't go wrong. They're both kick *** boats.